Petit Torn: Career Or Country?

Venezuelan Focuses On Spot In Rotation.

February 7, 2006|By Juan C. Rodriguez Staff Writer

Albeit for different reasons, Marlins pitching prospect Yusmeiro Petit is giving serious thought to joining Barry Bonds, Nomar Garciaparra, Robinson Cano and others who have bowed out of next month's World Baseball Classic.

Petit would love to pitch for his native Venezuela, just not at the expense of becoming a big-league starter.

Joining Marlins teammate Miguel Cabrera on the national team would mean missing a significant chunk of spring training, during which Petit hopes to prove himself worthy of the rotation.

"It's a tough decision," said Petit, acquired from the Mets in the Carlos Delgado deal. "For me, the future is here. I haven't talked to [Venezuelan officials] yet. I would like to go, but it would be better to stay here trying to win a spot so the Marlins can see what I can do."

Petit pitched two months in the Venezuelan winter league before honoring the Marlins' request to sit out the remainder of the season. They wanted him rested for spring training, especially if he planned on pitching again in the World Classic.

In addition to Petit and Cabrera, Marlins pitching prospects Anibal Sanchez and Reynel Pinto also are on Venezuela's preliminary roster. Both have a chance to make the big-league club as well.

Sergio Mitre, who also will vie for a rotation spot this spring, said he would play for Mexico if called. Acquired from the Cubs in the Juan Pierre trade, Mitre has the luxury of knowing new pitching coach Rick Kranitz from the Cubs organization. Kranitz doesn't have to rely as much on spring training to determine what Mitre and Pinto, also an ex-Cubs prospect, can do.

"I heard my name was on the list," Mitre said. "It would be fun to do, a good experience, great competition."

Garciaparra declined the chance to play for Mexico, citing he wanted to concentrate on a position switch (third base to first) in spring training with the Dodgers, his new team. A second baseman, Cano said he would rather play in Grapefruit League games than sit the bench behind Alfonso Soriano and Luis Castillo on the Dominican team.

The Marlins signed right-handers Matt Herges and Eddie Gaillard to minor league contracts and invited them to spring training. Gaillard has made 30 major league appearances over three seasons (1997-99) with the Tigers and Devil Rays. A veteran of seven big-league seasons, Herges split 2005 with the Giants and Diamondbacks.

General Manager Larry Beinfest doesn't anticipate any more additions before spring training.